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January 12, 2010

By Karen Middleton The News Courier Tue Jan 12, 2010, 08:22 PM CST

For two years, Talbot and Michelle Elkins have turned their grief outward to reach others about the dangers of meningitis and urge young people to get vaccinated against the bacterial infection that claimed their daughter’s life Dec. 26, 2007.

Jessica Elkins, 15, died at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham after a five-day battle with meningitis.

One outreach tool the Elkins family has employed is the social networking site Facebook, which they have used to educate others about meningitis, to urge vaccination with Menactra vaccine against meningitis and to keep in touch with Jessica’s wide circle of friends.

Jessica’s Facebook site, “In Memory of Jessica Elkins,” maintained by her father, drew the attention of New York freelance writer Emily Liebert, who chose Jessica’s story from among 1,000 for inclusion in her book, “Facebook Fairytales,” which is due out in April.

“We want to reach millions with our message and we are truly blessed that Jessica’s story was chosen,” said Michelle. “We had a two-hour conference call with Emily and she put our story together. It’s amazing how she worked it out.”

While the book is not due out until April, at which time it will be carried by all major booksellers and local outlets, those interested can visit Amazon.com and preorder “Facebook Fairytales” for $8.73 plus shipping and handling.

In late March, Liebert is tentatively scheduled to travel to Athens to be a part of the annual Jessica Elkins Memorial Pageant March 27.

“We hope to set up some book signings and speaking engagements at schools while she is here,” said Michelle.

Tuesday night Michelle and Talbot were on their way to an Athens High School basketball game. Both Jessica and her older sister, Emilee, were AHS cheerleaders. They say that is a way to stay in touch with Jessica’s friends. Michelle has also hosted sleepovers of Jessica’s friends.

As well as the March 27 pageant, Michelle said that Chick-fil-A is also planning a 5K run with part of the proceeds going to benefit meningitis awareness in Jessica’s name.

Michelle volunteers with the National Meningitis Foundation.

“Every week I have someone to call or get an e-mail about someone taking their child to get vaccinated because of what they learned from Jessica’s story,” said Michelle. “We learn all we can about meningitis and try to share what we learn with others.”

It has been a long two years since Jessica’s death for the Elkinses, but in many ways it’s as fresh as though it happened yesterday.

“Maybe something good will come of Jessica’s death if we can help others,” said Michelle.

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